Library image
Maidstone is taking urgent action to protect its dwindling bird populations as free nest boxes are installed this week across Curzon Road, Grecian Street, Salisbury Road, and Waterlow Road. This initiative follows an enthusiastic response from the community after Maidstone Borough Council partnered with the charity High Weald Swifts to support one of the town’s last two remaining colonies.
The project recently received an £11,000 boost from the Nature Recovery Fund, allowing for expanded outreach and awareness. With swift numbers plummeting by over 60% since 1995, these efforts are critical for the survival of the species. So far, sixty households have already signed up to host a box, and applications remain open until 1 April.
Residents can play a vital role by hosting a professionally installed nest box or using the Swift Mapper app to track sightings. Beyond housing, the council suggests simple garden changes like planting wildflowers, mowing less frequently, or adding a pond to help restore the insects swifts need to thrive.
To bring the community together, a public workshop will take place at the Creative Hub on Gabriel’s Hill on 17 April. Visitors can help decorate a large willow-and-paper swift model, celebrating the return of these iconic birds to the local summer skies.